JUNE PROMOTION - REFER A FRIEND & RECEIVE $30 CREDIT

We know that the best form of any social marketing is actually just word of mouth. If you love it, your friend will trust what you think.

So for the whole month of June, when you refer a friend who’s new to Yogalife, your friend will receive a class on the house, and when they purchase a pass, you’ll get a $30 credit added to your account to use on anything you want.

The easiest way to refer a friend is logging into the Yogalife App, and finding your unique referral link and share from there.

Boosting Productivity and Focus through Yoga

In today's fast-paced world, maintaining productivity and focus is crucial for accomplishing tasks effectively and achieving success. While there are numerous strategies and techniques available, one approach that has gained popularity for its holistic benefits is yoga. Yoga, an ancient practice originating from India, offers a unique blend of physical postures, breathing exercises, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques. In this blog post, we will explore how incorporating yoga into your routine can provide a powerful boost to productivity and focus, whether in the realm of work, school, or everyday life.

1. Cultivating Mindfulness:
   At the core of yoga is the practice of mindfulness, which involves being fully present in the moment. By engaging in yoga, individuals learn to tune in to their breath, sensations, and thoughts, developing a heightened sense of awareness. This mindfulness training can be directly applied to work or study settings, enabling individuals to stay focused on the task at hand and avoid distractions that hinder productivity.

2. Stress Reduction:
   Stress is a common productivity killer, leading to decreased focus, mental fatigue, and burnout. Yoga offers a sanctuary where individuals can release tension and find inner peace. Through gentle movements, stretching, and controlled breathing, yoga activates the relaxation response in the body, reducing stress hormones and promoting a state of calm. By managing stress effectively, individuals can enhance their productivity and maintain a clearer, more focused mind.

3. Enhancing Physical Energy:
   Physical energy and mental focus go hand in hand. Yoga provides a gentle yet invigorating form of exercise, promoting blood circulation, oxygenation, and energy flow throughout the body. Regular practice can boost vitality, combat fatigue, and improve overall stamina. By having a well-nourished body, individuals are better equipped to tackle demanding tasks and sustain focus throughout the day.

4. Developing Mental Resilience:
   Yoga is not just about physical postures; it also cultivates mental resilience. Through challenging poses and the practice of staying present in uncomfortable situations, individuals develop the ability to overcome obstacles and stay focused in the face of difficulties. This mental fortitude translates into increased productivity, as setbacks and distractions are approached with a determined and focused mindset.

5. Restorative Practices for Renewal:
   In the pursuit of productivity, it is essential to find a balance between effort and rest. Certain forms of yoga, such as restorative yoga and relaxation techniques like yoga nidra, provide deep rest and rejuvenation. These practices help reduce mental clutter, promote quality sleep, and recharge the mind and body. By incorporating restorative yoga into your routine, you can optimize your energy levels, improve concentration, and sustain productivity over the long term.

Yoga offers a holistic approach to boosting productivity and focus in various aspects of life. By embracing the principles of mindfulness, stress reduction, physical energy, mental resilience, and restorative practices, individuals can unlock their full potential and achieve greater success in work, school, and daily activities. Whether you are seeking to enhance your performance in a professional setting or improve your study habits, integrating yoga into your routine can provide the necessary tools for sustained productivity, enhanced focus, and a more fulfilling life journey. Start your yoga practice today and witness the transformative effects it can have on your overall well-being and success.

Detoxify Your Life: Spring Cleaning for the Soul

As the seasons change and the world around us begins to awaken, it's the perfect time to engage in a little spring cleaning. While we often associate this ritual with tidying up our physical spaces, it's equally important to extend this practice to our inner selves. Just as our homes accumulate clutter and dust, our souls can become weighed down by negative emotions, toxic relationships, and unhealthy habits. In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of "spring cleaning for the soul" and provide practical tips to help you detoxify your life and create space for growth, positivity, and well-being.

1. Reflect on What’s Holding You Back:
   The first step in the process of soulful spring cleaning is to reflect on your emotional baggage. Take some time to identify and acknowledge any negative emotions, past traumas, or limiting beliefs that may be holding you back. Journaling or talking with a trusted friend or therapist can be helpful in this process. Once you've identified these emotional burdens, you can work towards letting go of them and embracing a fresh start.

2. Evaluate Your Relationships:
   Just as we declutter physical spaces, it's important to evaluate the relationships in our lives. Consider the people who bring positivity, support, and joy into your life, as well as those who drain your energy or bring negativity. Surrounding yourself with toxic relationships can hinder your personal growth and well-being. It may be time to set boundaries, have open conversations, or even distance yourself from those who don't contribute to your overall happiness.

3. Declutter Your Mind:
   Our minds can become cluttered with endless thoughts, worries, and distractions. Engaging in mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking regular breaks from technology can help clear the mental clutter. Set aside dedicated time each day to quiet your mind, focus on the present moment, and cultivate a sense of inner peace.

4. Establish Healthy Habits:
   Spring cleaning your soul involves adopting healthy habits that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Consider incorporating activities such as regular exercise, nutritious eating, quality sleep, and engaging in hobbies or activities that bring you joy. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is essential for a balanced and fulfilled life.

5. Cultivate Gratitude:
   Practicing gratitude is a powerful tool for soulful cleansing. Take time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. This simple practice can shift your mindset, increase positivity, and bring more joy into your life. Consider keeping a gratitude journal or sharing your gratitude with others to amplify its effects.

6. Set Intentions and Goals:
   Spring is a time of renewal and growth. Take advantage of this energetic season to set intentions and goals for your personal growth. What positive changes would you like to make in your life? What new habits or experiences do you want to cultivate? Setting clear intentions and actionable goals can help guide you on your journey towards a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Just as we clean our physical spaces, periodically detoxifying our lives on a deeper level is essential for personal growth and well-being. By engaging in spring cleaning for the soul, we can let go of negativity, create space for positivity, and cultivate a life that aligns with our true selves. Remember, it's an ongoing process, and small steps can have a profound impact. Embrace this opportunity for renewal and start detoxifying your life today. Your soul will thank you!

Exploring the Benefits of Practicing Yoga as a Family

In today's fast-paced world, finding quality time to connect with our loved ones can be a challenge. Practicing yoga as a family not only promotes physical health but also nurtures emotional well-being and strengthens the bond between family members.

1. Cultivating Mindfulness and Presence: Yoga encourages us to be fully present in the moment, and when practiced as a family, it creates a shared space of mindfulness. By engaging in yoga together, family members learn to focus on their breath, body sensations, and the present moment. This shared mindfulness helps to reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and foster a deeper connection with one another.

2. Strengthening Bonds and Communication: Yoga poses and partner exercises provide an opportunity for family members to work together, trust each other, and communicate effectively. As family members support and assist one another in various poses, they develop a sense of unity and cooperation. This shared experience strengthens the emotional bond within the family, creating a safe and supportive environment.

3. Promoting Physical Health and Well-being: Regular yoga practice offers numerous physical benefits, such as improved flexibility, strength, and balance. When practiced as a family, it becomes a fun and engaging way to stay active together. Family yoga sessions can be tailored to accommodate different fitness levels and ages, making it accessible for everyone. By engaging in physical activity as a family, you not only promote a healthy lifestyle but also inspire each other to prioritize well-being.

4. Managing Stress and Enhancing Emotional Resilience: Yoga provides powerful tools for managing stress and promoting emotional well-being. By practicing breathing exercises, meditation, and relaxation techniques together, family members learn valuable skills to cope with daily challenges. Family yoga becomes a safe space to express emotions, release tension, and cultivate a positive mindset. These practices can have a profound impact on the overall emotional resilience of each family member.

5. Creating Lasting Memories and Traditions: Family yoga offers a unique opportunity to create lasting memories and establish meaningful traditions. By engaging in regular yoga sessions together, families create a shared experience that can be cherished for years to come. Whether it's a weekly yoga practice or a special yoga retreat, these moments become cherished memories that strengthen the family bond and create a sense of belonging.

Practicing yoga together as a family is a beautiful way to nurture physical health, emotional well-being, and the bond between family members. It provides a space for mindfulness, communication, and shared experiences that create lasting memories. So, gather your loved ones, roll out your mats, and embark on a transformative journey of togetherness through family yoga. Embrace the power of yoga to strengthen your family's connection and well-being.

Donations for Q4, 2023: YWCA

From October to December of 2023, all net proceeds from our Friday By Donation Classes will be donated to the Rose campaign with the YWCA.

Yogalife is donating all net proceeds of our Friday Karma Classes to the YWCA’s Rose Campaign from October to December.

Come move and breathe on Friday evenings 5:30pm Warm Flow (YL 124) or 6:30pm Hot Flow (YL South) for only $5.

“Since 1907, YWCA Edmonton has been building more opportunity, equity, and choice and for women. Through our counselling services, disability services, youth programming, and Healing Havens, we continue our mission of promoting social progress and equity, helping those in need, and creating positive change in our community. The Rose Campaign runs from November 25 to December 10, spanning the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. As the major annual fundraiser, the campaign seeks to raise critical funds for our violence prevention and recovery programs – support that hundreds depend on every day. Together, we can build a brighter future for women and their families in the Edmonton region.”

— YWCA

Switching from Mindbody to Momence

We're making a change to our booking platform, effective August 22nd.

Our website will be updated with the new scheduler so you'll be able to book classes from the website.

We will also have a new phone App available for you to download if you prefer booking classes that way. Download here.

You will receive an email to set your new password & access your Momence account, your active passes/memberships will transfer to your new account.

If you don’t see one, you can click here to enter your email that you use for Yogalife to get a reset password link.

If you have any questions, email us (memberships@yogalifestudios.ca) and we’ll help you get things sorted.

Our main reasons for switching:

• Mindbody hasn’t been able to find a workaround for Apple & Google 30% cut for in-app purchases, so passes & membership purchases have simply been disabled from our app

• The support from Mindbody is lacking, for you (our clients) but also for us (as studios). We use a lot of workarounds to make things work in Mindbody and we’re looking for a platform that doesn’t need us to troubleshoot software issues.

• Complicated class booking process. Too many steps. Login issues.

Momence Features

• Video On Demand Library will be seamlessly integrated and you'll have automatic access based on your membership, look out for new classes & course content.

• Our Live Stream classes will also be easier to locate & book as well.

• 'Community Section' - a space for students to engage with each other and where we'll keep you updated on news and events happening in studio.

• Better App experience, more user friendly.

Mindfulness, Yoga, and Setting Boundaries: Finding Balance in the Digital Age

In today's fast-paced and hyper-connected world, finding moments of peace and stillness has become increasingly challenging. We are constantly bombarded with notifications, social media updates, and digital distractions that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from ourselves. However, with the practice of mindfulness and yoga, we can cultivate a sense of awareness and set healthy boundaries with our phones and social media, allowing us to find balance and reclaim our well-being.

The Power of Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of bringing our attention to the present moment without judgment. It involves being fully aware of our thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surroundings. By incorporating mindfulness into our daily lives, we can develop a deeper sense of self-awareness and a greater ability to stay grounded amidst the chaos of the digital world.

One powerful way to incorporate mindfulness is through the practice of yoga. Yoga combines physical movement with breath awareness, allowing us to synchronize body and mind. By focusing on the sensations of our body as we move through different poses, we can bring our attention away from our phones and social media and into the present moment.

Setting Boundaries with Your Phone: While our smartphones are incredibly useful tools, they can also be major sources of distraction and stress. To set healthy boundaries with your phone, consider implementing the following strategies:

1. Establish "Phone-Free" Zones: Designate certain areas or times in your daily routine where the use of your phone is off-limits. For example, you might decide to keep your phone out of the bedroom to create a peaceful sleep environment or institute a "no phones at the dinner table" rule to encourage mindful eating and meaningful conversations.

2. Practice Digital Detoxes: Set aside specific periods of time, such as an hour or even an entire day, when you disconnect from your phone and social media. Use this time to engage in activities that promote mindfulness, such as going for a nature walk, journaling, or practicing yoga.

3. Mindful Notifications: Take a moment to assess which notifications on your phone are necessary and which ones are simply distractions. Consider turning off non-essential alerts and only allowing notifications from critical apps or contacts. This will reduce the constant interruptions and allow you to focus more on the present moment.

Embracing Social Media Mindfully: Social media platforms have become integral parts of our lives, but they can also have negative effects on our mental well-being.

Establishing Boundaries: To develop a healthier relationship with our phones and social media, setting boundaries is crucial.

Here are some practical tips:

a. Create Tech-Free Zones: Designate certain areas in your home, such as your bedroom or the dining table, as tech-free zones. This allows you to disconnect and be fully present in the moment.

b. Set Intentional Phone Usage: Determine specific times throughout the day when you will check your phone or engage with social media. Create a schedule that works for you, allowing for dedicated phone-free periods.

c. Mindful Social Media Consumption: When using social media, be intentional about the content you consume. Unfollow accounts that don't align with your values or cause negative emotions. Use the mute or unfollow features to limit exposure to content that may trigger stress or overwhelm.

d. Practice Digital Detoxes: Occasionally disconnecting completely from your phone and social media can do wonders for your mental and emotional well-being. Set aside regular periods, such as a day or weekend, to engage in offline activities and recharge.

The benefits of yoga for golfers! Including 5 poses to help your swing!

Yoga and golf may seem like very different activities at first glance, but they actually have a lot in common!

Both require a great deal of focus, balance, and flexibility, and both can be physically and mentally challenging. That's why yoga can be such a great complement to golf, helping golfers to improve their game and prevent injury.

Below are some of the way yoga can benefit your body & golf game!

Improved Flexibility

One of the main benefits of yoga for golfers is improved flexibility. Golfers need to have a wide range of motion in their hips, shoulders, and spine to make a full swing, and yoga can help to improve flexibility in all of these areas. By practicing yoga regularly, golfers can increase their range of motion and achieve a fuller, more effortless swing. This can help to increase clubhead speed and accuracy, leading to longer and more precise shots.

Better Balance

Another key benefit of yoga for golfers is better balance. Golfers need to maintain their balance throughout the swing, and any loss of balance can lead to poor shots or even injury. Yoga helps to improve balance by strengthening the muscles in the legs and core, as well as improving proprioception (the body's sense of where it is in space). By practicing yoga poses that challenge balance, golfers can improve their stability and consistency on the course.

Reduced Injury Risk

Golf can be hard on the body, especially for those who play frequently. The repetitive motion of swinging a club can lead to overuse injuries in the shoulders, wrists, elbows, and back. Yoga can help to reduce the risk of these injuries by improving flexibility, balance, and strength, as well as promoting proper alignment and posture. By practicing yoga regularly, golfers can keep their bodies healthy and prevent injury.

Stress Relief

Golf can be a stressful game, especially when you're trying to hit that perfect shot. Yoga can help to reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and mindfulness. By focusing on the breath and staying present in the moment, golfers can learn to stay calm and centered on the course, even when things aren't going their way.

Getting Started with Yoga

If you're a golfer who's interested in trying yoga, there are many ways to get started.

Many yoga studios offer classes specifically for golfers, which focus on poses that are beneficial for the golf swing. Alternatively, you can start practicing yoga at home with online videos or apps.

At Yogalife studios we offer various classes for all preferences, these classes will incorporate some or all of the below poses. We recommend checking out a Vinsaysa flow class or a Yin class which poses are held for a longer period of time.

If you cannot make it in studio - check out our Video on Demand platform!

A few benefical yoga poses for golfers include:

Downward-Facing Dog: This pose helps to stretch the hamstrings and calves, as well as the shoulders and spine.

Warrior II: This pose strengthens the legs and core, while also stretching the hips and shoulders.

Child's Pose: This pose is great for relaxation and stress relief, and can also help to stretch the back and hips.

Tree Pose: This pose improves balance and stability in the legs and core.

Triangle Pose: This pose stretches the hamstrings and hips, as well as the spine and shoulders.

This pose features a cork block to assist with balance & improving form while feeling the full benefit of this pose!

Purchase Here

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Yoga and golf may seem like an unlikely pair, but they actually have a lot in common. By practicing yoga regularly, golfers can improve their flexibility, balance, and strength, as well as reduce their risk of injury and stress. So if you're a golfer looking to improve your game, consider joining us for a yoga class at our South Edmonton studio!

Your body (and your golf swing) will thank you!

New Membership Structure for January 1st, 2023

New Year, New Membership Structure !

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Starting January 1st, 2023 our membership structure will be changing!

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU ?

In this blog we will walk you through the new membership structure here at Yogalife Studios in Edmonton.

But wait! What does this mean if I currently have a membership at Yogalife Studios ?

If you have a current membership at Yogalife, do not worry! This will not effect any recurring monthly membership plans. (Unless there is a NEW membership you want to switch too.)

What If I don’t want a membership, and wish to continue with drop-in passes ?

No problem-o ! Drop-in passes will also be remaining the same as of January 1st 2023

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Below we have put together a quick walk through on the new membership structure !

When purchasing the Month to Month membership there is no contract! This means your Monthly membership will auto renew, however you can cancel quickly ! This is GREAT for those who aren’t ready to commit to a membership yet.

● This Membership does NOT include extensions or pauses

● This Membership DOES include ONE guest pass per renewal.

When purchasing the 4 Month membership you have agreed to a 4 month term with Yogalife at a monthly charge of $135.00! This means you will need to re-commit every 4 months ! This is GREAT for those who aren’t ready to commit to for a full year.

● This Membership does NOT include extensions or pauses

● This Membership DOES include ONE guest pass per month.

When purchasing the 12 Month membership you have agreed to a 12 month term with Yogalife at a monthly charge of $110.00! This means you will need to re-commit every 12 months ! This is GREAT for those who plan on practicing often.

● This Membership DOES include two extensions if needed.

● This Membership DOES include ONE guest pass per month.

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The 6 Month Membership offers you 6 months of unlimited yoga! There are no membership pauses with this one, and you gain 6 guest passes to bring friends.

The 12 Month Membership offers you 12 months of unlimited yoga! There are no membership pauses with this one, and you gain 12 guest passes to bring friends.

Hot Yoga: What to Expect, Bring and Wear.

Attending your first hot yoga class can be a bit scary! Here we have included a little guide to help prepare you for your first hot class at Yogalife Studios in Edmonton.

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What to Expect

Expect to sweat! Yogalife Hot Yoga classes are set to 38c and our Yogalife Warm classes are set to 34c.

Depending on the class style you are registered for, it will determine the pace of the class! We recommend checking out our yoga class descriptions here..

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How to Prepare

1. Arrive Well Hydrated

2. Avoid Heavy Food Before Class

3. Know Where You Are Going

4. Arrive On Time

5. Come Prepared (Review Next Section!)

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What to Bring

You will need a change of clothes, yoga mat, towel and water bottle. If you don’t have a yoga mat, towel or lock, these can be rented or purchased at our Yogalife Studios location.

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Additional Questions

At our Yogalife studios in Edmonton we do not recommend Heated classes for pregnant women, for children under 14 years of age or for those sensitive to heat. For additional information please reach out to our team!

Adding Props: Meditation Cushions

All photos in this post by Dean Tumibay

The yoga world is full of many tools that are used to both enhance and support your practice. The “Prop it like it’s hot” series will review a number of different yoga props, and how practitioners can use them as a base for modifying, or in some cases, deepening your asana practice. For this portion of the series, we’re reviewing meditation cushions.

While the name suggests that this prop is used primarily for meditation, we’ll review how a meditation cushion can also help to enhance more active postures for both beginner and advanced practitioners.

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Using the cushion for a seated meditation

Often, meditation is challenging for people who are starting out, as people find that there are too many distractors to tune out. One challenge is finding a comfortable position to sit in for an extended period of time. Meditation cushions in this regard provide a perfect balance between a firm surface that provides appropriate support for the sacrum, but enough compliance to contour to the shape of your pelvis. While many people assume you sit in the middle of a meditation cushion, we actually encourage practitioners to sit on the edge, allowing the cushion to slightly elevate the posterior surface of the pelvis. This encourages a slight anterior pelvic tilt. By sitting on the edge of the cushion, and allowing the hips to roll forward slightly, we encourage the natural curvature of the lumbar spine into lordosis, allowing us to comfortably stack our shoulders over our hips.

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Using the cushion for forward folds

Tight hamstrings and general tension in the pelvic region is a common ailment in a culture conditioned to sit for long periods of time. In these cases, seated forward folds, such as paschimottanasana as well as baddha konasana with a forward fold can be particularly challenging. As it does with a seated meditation, sitting at the cushion’s edge can facilitate a gentle anterior pelvic tilt, encouraging a soft forward fold while maintaining proper alignment of the lumbar spine. This encourages proper alignment in our forward folds, and prevents the tendency towards rounding the lower back.

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Using the cushion for twists

The compliance of the meditation cushion allows it to conform to our pelvis, but it’s equally firm nature provides enough support to allow us to remain grounded in our posture. In seated twists, due to tightness in our hips, often times one side of our pelvis will have difficulty remaining connected to the earth resulting in a lopsided seat that is unstable to perform a twist from. With the help of a cushion, we can have an even distribution of weight through our base to allow us to focus on a deeper rotation through our spine.

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Using the cushion for active postures

Many yoga postures require us to bear weight through our knees, which for many can be an uncomfortable experience. We can maintain the integrity of these postures, such as a low crescent lunge, with our knees propped on a comfortable surface like a meditation cushion that allows us to go deeper into the posture, without having to endure pain during the hold. For deep postures such as the front splits (hanumanasana) or any modified variation, the meditation cushion propped under our back leg allows for support through that limb, but gives space for the pelvis to go even deeper into the asana.

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We have meditation cushions available for purchase at both our south and north locations. If you have experience using meditation cushions or meditation props in your practice, please feel free to email info@yogalifestudios.ca with your experience! If there are any specific props you’d like to see in our “Prop it Like it’s Hot” series, again please contact us via info@yogalifestudios.ca or our various social media streams (twitter, Instagram, Facebook).

Yoga for Kids at Yogalife

Yoga for Children at Yogalife

Something that you may already know are the benefits yoga offers both physically and mentally. However, how about the benefits of yoga for kids?

At our Yogalife studios in Edmonton we do allow children under the age of 14 to attend our non-heated classes with a guardian. For additional information please reach out to our team!

Here are some benefits your little one:

1. Improves concentration:

   When your child gets used to the physical practice (asana or poses), it can offer improvement to their concentration skills.

2. Increases flexibility and balance:

   Yoga helps improve flexibility and balance and tones their muscles too.

3. Improves general well-being:

   Kids who practice yoga regularly can feel both mentally and physically rejuvenated after a yoga session and this helps improves their mental and physical health.

4. Boosts confidence:

   Yoga offers the ability to create a stronger connection to what your body needs. by adding a regular yoga practice to your child’s schedule, you are providing them with starting tools to connect with themselves which can boost confidence in themselves.

5. Relaxes their minds:

   Like adults, yoga helps relax and de-stress.

Yoga Tune-Up Balls

The Benefits of Adding Self Myo-Fascial Release (SMF) to Your Yoga Practice

Come experience relaxation & increased range of motion. Deep breaths , passive poses, & self myo-fascial release at Yogalife Studios here in Edmonton.

Yogalife has added specific yoga classes such as Hot Yin & Release on Saturday to include the use a lacrosse ball or Tune Up Ball to place, or gently rock over areas of tension in the body. You control the pressure of this 'massage' with body weight.

You will only need to bring your yoga mat, a block & your water to this class. We will provide you with sanitized rolling props.

SMR HELP RELIEVE:

• Stiff Neck & Headaches

• TMJ/Tight Jaw • Frozen Shoulder

• Sciatica & Back Pain

• Tight Hips & Hamstrings

• IT Band Syndrome

• Plantar Fasciitis & Foot Pain … and much more…

SMR HELPS TO IMPROVE:

• Flexibility

• Strength

• Pain Relief

• Stress Reduction

• Increased Energy

Lacrosse balls or Yoga Tune Up Balls provide targeted self-massage trigger point therapy by using specially designed high grip rubber balls and focused movement routines that help penetrate through layers of skin and muscle to massage deeply into your high-tension areas.

30 Day August Challenge

Thank you to everyone who joined our August Challenge! We hope you had as much fun as we did.

Goodbye North Yogalife Party

Goodbye North Yogalife Studio

With heavy hearts on June 20th, 2022 Yogalife Studios closed its North Edmonton doors. To say thank you to our northside community for providing us with the best time over the years, we put together a small farewell party. Here are some photos from our final goodbye at the studio.

While we are sad to see our North Edmonton studio go, we are excited for Yogalife’s future!

Presently, we are finalizing the details of our lease for a new studio on 124 Street, close to the Brewery District. There will be parking!

We are working on design plans and getting development permits applied for. We'll likely be 'breaking ground' in September or October, depending on how quick or slow the city works. Once we have a timeline, we'll be posting more about it on our socials and keeping everyone updated through our newsletters.

Mindfulness Yoga

Adding Mindfulness to Your Yoga Practice

What is Mindfulness?

It is the practice of purposely focusing your attention on the present moment—and accepting it without judgment.

Mindfulness in Practice

You are halfway thru your classes at Yogalife Studios Edmonton. it is difficult, and you have had enough. The poses drag on for what feels like hours, and you are ready to give up. Here is where you can incorporate mindfulness into your yoga practice. By shifting from a reaction to observation, you understand that this discomfort is temporary. This alteration in thinking can offer an entirely different experience to your yoga experience.

By combining mindfulness into your practice, it pushes you to drive deeper into your yoga practice.

Important Attributes of Mindfulness

• Trusting the process

• Letting go

• Having patience

• Acceptance

Mindfulness can look different for everyone; it is important to remember not to compare your journey to another.

Have more questions about adding mindfulness to your yoga experience? Reach out to our memberships team at Memberships@yogalifestudios.ca or next time you are attending one of our Edmonton Yogalife studios don’t be afraid to ask your teacher for some helpful tips and advice!

New To Yoga: A Guide to Getting Started

New to Yoga: A Guide to Getting Started

Your first yoga class can be very intimidating (the first couple classes too). Here you will find some tips, information, and recommendations to prepare you for your first class at Yogalife!

Want to keep up with Yogalife? join our newsletter!

Benefits of Yoga

Yoga offers a variety of benefits…

1. Good for your mind

2. Good for your body

3. Good for your soul

Here are some more in-depth benefits from yoga. >> Yoga Benefits

What Class Should I Take?

For your first class we recommend you start off with a gentler practice, then you just need to choose the room temperature of the class. The temperatures range from room temperature, Warm (32– 34), Hot (36-38). Here are a few classes to check out at our South Edmonton yoga studio.

Gentle Hatha

A wide range of movements and postures that stretch, strengthen, align, and stimulate all systems of the body using hatha, restorative and yin postures, the use of props and pranayama.

Yin

A slow-paced class designed to specifically work the connective tissues of the body. This class consists of holding postures for several minutes to activate and work the fibers of your fascia matrix, ligamental structures and skeletal system. Yin yoga uniquely appeals to those who wish to increase their flexibility and range of motion as well as those interested in increasing bone density and strengthening joints.

And if you’re looking for something with a faster pace for your first class...

Hatha Flow

Includes the same benefits as a traditional Hatha class (variety, stretch, strength, alignment, and stimulation) with the added component of Sun Salutations. Sun Salutations, or flow, involve strength and stamina for the upper body, shoulders, and spine as well as stimulation for the nervous system.

Flow

Flow includes the same benefits as a Hatha class (variety, stretch, strength, alignment, and stimulation) with the added component of Sun Salutations. Sun Salutations, or flow, involve strength and stamina for the upper body, shoulders, and spine as well as stimulation for the nervous system.

What to Bring for Class?

Depending on Edmonton’s weather, dress appropriately for getting to and from Yogalife, especially during our cold winters! However here is specifically what you will need for your first yoga class at Yogalife:

1. Comfortable clothes to practice in.

2. A Yoga mat *We do offer mat rentals at the yoga studio.

3. Water

4. A Yoga Towel *especially if your registered for a hot yoga class.

Yogalife offers change rooms, lockers, plus locks for use as well.

If you have any additional questions about what to bring, please don’t hesitate to contact us either at Info@Yogalifestudios.ca or by phone at (780) 328-3927.

Looking for Yoga props, Mats, and/or towels? Check out our shop!

Registering for Class

After reviewing the Yogalife schedule, it is best you create an account and pre-register for the class. This allows the teachers to know in advance how large the class will be and to make sure you have a spot! creating an account can either be done by our intake form online or though the Yogalife App. Once your account is created, you can purchase the desired pass and book yourself for class.

1. Create an account

2. Pre-register for class

Getting to the Studio

Before heading to your first yoga class, make sure you know where you are going. Here is the information for our South Edmonton Studio >> South Studio

Please arrive around 10 minutes early to prepare for class.

Classes begin at the time it is scheduled and students will not be able to attend if late. If you are running late or will not make if, please let us know. However, when you have a moment, please review our late cancel/ no show policy here >> Studio Etiquette

Still have questions? Please check out our Frequently Asked Questions

If you still have additional questions or concerns about attending your first class here at Yogalife, please reach out and we will be happy to help!

Break It Down: Vinyasa

Written by Kristine Owen Wood | Photographed by Caitlin Varrin

What is Vinyasa?

One term, many meanings!

Vinyasa, translated:

“To move or arrange in a special way”. It can also mean “movement” or “position of the limbs”. 

Vinyasa, the style of yoga:

refers to a strong, dynamic, continuously flowing practice which aims to seamlessly integrate movement and breath. a.k.a, ‘Moving Meditation’: The relative quick pace of Vinyasa Flow with its emphasis on matched breath/movement and fluid transitions between poses allows many practitioners to relax habitual thought-loops and enter an embodied “flow state” of being. Same same but different? Styles of yoga at Yogalife which are synonymous with, derived from, or closely related to Vinyasa include “Ashtanga”, “Rocket”, “Sattva”, “Flow”, and the “Yang” portion of “Yin/Yang”. 

Why break it down?

Vinyasa classes tend to move more quickly than slower styles like Hatha and in order to “keep the flow”, might not always provide as much in-depth alignment instruction. This can sometimes result in confusion for newbies! It can also create a situation where the most often-repeated set of movements are amongst the least fully-understood.

Potency of practice:

Developing a clear understanding of how to approach Vinyasa for your body, through your body, is essential for unlocking the full potential of your “flow state” experience. Below is a step-by-step guide to aid you in this journey!

Vinyasa, the flow of movement:

“Vinyasa” can also refer to a very specific cycle of poses that repeats throughout any of the above-mentioned class styles.

Rise & Shine!

Vinyasa will often appear first in the course of opening Sun Salutations as a method of evenly warming up the body.

The groove that binds us:

Subsequent Vinyasas alternately serve as fire-stokers, neutralizers, palate-cleansers, and an efficient, elegant method of transitioning from pose to pose.

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Full Vinyasa, unmodified 

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Tadasana

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Urdhva Hastasana

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Uttanasana

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Ardha Uttanasana

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Chaturanga Dandasana

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Urdhva Mukha Svanasana

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Adho Mukha Svanasana

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Ardha Uttanasana

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Uttanasana

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Urdhva Hastasana

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Samasthiti

Half Vinyasa, unmodified

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Adho Mukha Svanasana

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High Plank

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Chaturanga Dandasana

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Urdhva Mukha Svanasana

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Adho Mukha Svanasana

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Awesome Mods 

Mythbuster: modifications are not in any way “lesser” the main pose. In fact, modifications are a highly intelligent way to adapt poses to meet your practice where it’s at and ensure that you build the space and strength you need to evolve, sustainably. 
 

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Forward Fold & Halfway Lift  

Place blocks underneath hands = more room to stretch out backs of legs & lift through chest
 

High Plank >> Low Plank  

Lower knees to floor = more power to practice correct upper body alignment & thus gain strength. Place blocks under hands to create more height & space in plank.

Upward Facing Dog  

Cobra instead! All of the backbendy goodness without undue strain on wrists, low back, or feet. Blocks under hands  = more space for spine to lengthen & curve.

Downward Facing Dog  

Try Puppy Pose instead! An active version of Child’s Pose (press palms into floor & keep chest & shoulders lifted), it relieves hamstrings and takes pressure out of shoulders and wrists while maintaining energy. Or, place blocks under hands to create more length and space throughout the shape.

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Whether you're in that full flow or working with modifications and props, there is a comfortable way to build strength through vinyasa for every yogi!

Listen to what makes your body sing and let that be what guides your practice. 

Namaste

Torso Tips: Alignment For Your Upper Body

Photos by Jenn Clara
Written by Caitlin Varrin

Yoga is a holistic, integrative practice.

Translation: your entire body is on board for your whole practice and works intelligently and systematically to find comfort and balance in every posture.

Often in class you are cued to specific areas of the body - stack your knee over your ankle, draw your shoulders down your back, lengthen through the crown of your head - as your practice matures you are most likely experiencing a full system alignment with these localized adjustments. There is a certain magic that arises in your body when you  experience 360 degree alignment, radiating from your hands and feet, up your legs and arms and inward towards your torso. This intelligence is the way into your body. 

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Example:
Virabhadrasana 1
Aligned from the ground up

• Ground into your front foot evenly

• Stack your knee directly over your ankle

• From that grounding and stacking, square your pelvis, maintaining equal pressure between front and back feet

• Here you will feel the constant push/pull of drawing forward into the front shin as you draw the top of the thigh bone back to maintain a squared pelvis, continuing to apply pressure evenly into the back foot

• THE FOUNDATION IS SET!

We promise we're getting to the torso! 

Creating a solid foundation is the key to aligning and advancing your postures. In this particular example of Warrior 1, the foundation is the feet; that awareness will give way to the freedom, strength and space that comes with proper torso alignment. Take your time to really finesse the details in your body, from the foundation. 

Torso alignment from the source of the foundation.

With foundation set you can move freely into the torso. We'll continue with the example of Warrior 1 but this tip really applies to all postures! 

• Find a neutral tailbone and a gentle lift through your lower belly.

• Engage the front and back lines of the torso towards the midline to create balance (think of drawing your front and back body towards one another with a meeting point at the spine).

• Encourage your shoulder blades to draw towards one another and gently down the back to create strength.

• Hug or wrap in at the joints (shoulders, hips) to stabilize the torso and then use directional pressure out to deepen. Draw in to expand out.

• Stack your shoulders over your hips and breathe to lengthen through the sides of the ribs up out of the waist.

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Apply these tips to other postures:

Utthita Trikonasana | Triangle Pose

• Align the foundation: feet and bottom hand

• Stack and engage the legs, creating clear lines from the lower body into the pelvis

• Ground down through the legs to the foundation, preparing the torso for micro-adjustments

• Draw your front and back body towards the midline and feel a wrapping sensation around the entire torso from shoulders to hips

• Lengthen both sides of your waist evenly away from the pelvis and the shoulders draw down your back

• This is a great posture to use a block, raising up the floor to ensure proper downward pressure through the bottom hand

Sirsasana | Headstand

• Align the foundation: outer edge of clasped hands, wrists, forearms and elbows

• Draw lower torso in towards spine to draw strength to the midline as you walk toes towards your face

• Stack hips clearly over your shoulders

• Feel the wrapping engagement of front and back body drawing together and lift one or both legs to stack clearly over the torso

• Continue the wrapping action of the shoulders and upper back as you create directional pressure down through the forearms and all the way up through the inner seam of the legs and out the toes
  

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When you consider this practice by its true definition, "to yolk" or "oneness", it makes very clear sense that you are creating something unique to your entire body. All aboard! 

Find this oneness within each posture by first identifying a clear foundation and experiencing how it relates through each facet of your body and breath.

Spring Into Spring | Playlist

Spring is here! 

Or.. is it summer?

We can't keep track with all of the craziness Mother Nature has been throwing our way, but that doesn't mean that you won't find us soaking in every inch of sun that shines through those Edmonton clouds. Tune into this uplifting playlist for your next at-home yoga practice, or a playlist we've found that we can't stop hitting repeat on.